RNA-driven blood vessel damage in diabetes
RNA-mediated endotheliopathy in diabetic vasculopathy
This project looks at how RNA molecules cause lasting damage to blood vessels in adults with diabetes to guide new treatment ideas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11032000 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work examines how small RNAs and long non-coding RNAs change the behavior of blood vessel lining cells (endothelial cells) in people with diabetes. The team will map RNA and epigenetic changes linked to “metabolic memory,” including chemical marks like m6A, to learn why vascular damage can persist after blood sugar is controlled. Researchers will use lab-grown human endothelial cells, patient-derived samples, and advanced molecular tools to identify RNAs that drive inflammation and poor blood vessel repair. They will also explore nanoparticle methods to target or modify those RNAs as a possible route to new therapies for diabetic peripheral artery disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with diabetes, especially those who have diabetic vasculopathy or peripheral artery disease, would be the main patient group relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without diabetes or whose vascular problems are due to non-diabetic causes are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to RNA-based treatments that prevent or reverse diabetic blood vessel damage and improve outcomes for people with diabetic vascular disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked non-coding RNAs and epigenetic changes to diabetic vascular injury, but clinical RNA-targeting treatments remain largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
Duarte, United States
- Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope — Duarte, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Zhen Bouman — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Chen, Zhen Bouman
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.